Every year, Maker Faire displays the perfect, harmonious blend of art and tech, science and craft, and everything in between. This year’s Maker Faire Bay Area, truly the world’s largest DIY festival, takes place at the San Mateo Fairgrounds on May 22nd and 23rd. One of the new makers presenting is Jason Dietz, and he’s bringing his awesome UFO Lamps (pictured above). We connected with Jason for a little Q&A, and this is what he had to say.

1. Tell us about the project you’re bringing to Maker Faire.

These are handmade UFO lamps. They stand 5-feet 5-inches tall and are made out of recycled glass tubes, light diffusers, and acrylic rings. They hold approximately 10 gallons of water each. They use a series of different lights that include CFLs, LEDs, and halogens. They each have a 110-volt 20-gallon air pump that produces the bubbles from the bottom. The theme is a cow being abducted out of a grassy pasture — look carefully to see the cow in the giant plasma tube.

2. How did you hear about Maker Faire and why did you decide to participate?

I heard about Maker Faire from a friend and thought it would be fun for people to see these UFO lights on display.

3. Tell us about yourself. How did you get started making things and who are your inspirations?

I started out restoring old classic cars when I was a teenager and have always enjoyed creating fun things. My inspiration was seeing my visions become a reality. It is always very fulfilling to see something that you create — it gives you a sense of pride in what you do.

4. Is your project strictly a hobby or a budding business? Does it relate to your day job?

My projects are a hobby. I do it for fun and to see others enjoy the things I create.

5. What new idea (in or outside of your field) has excited you most recently?

I have really been having fun with making retro flying saucers and working with water color and light.

6. What is your motto?

We all have the power to create anything we want to see — it just depends on how much you really want to see it happen.

7. What advice would you give to the young makers out there just getting started?

Follow through with what you start, and do it to the best of your abilities. If you need help, do not be afraid to ask for it, and ask lots of questions.

Thanks, Jason! I, for one, am looking forward to checking the lamps out in person and basking in the warm glow of abduction. You can still get discounted tickets until May 12. For all the information you need, head over to the Maker Faire website.

I’m a word nerd who loves to geek out on how emerging technology affects the lexicon. When not fawning over perfect word choices, I can be found on the nearest mountain, looking for untouched powder fields and ideal alpine lakes.

I was an editor for the first 40 volumes of MAKE. The maker movement provides me with endless inspiration, and I love shining light on the incredible makers in our community. Covering art is my passion — after all, art is the first thing most of us ever made.